Amevive (alefacept) voluntarily discontinued in the U.S.

Effective Nov. 16, 2011, Astellas Pharma U.S. Inc. (Astellas) voluntarily discontinued the promotion, manufacturing, distribution and sales of Amevive® (alefacept)—an immunosuppressant drug used to treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. According to Astellas, the decision to discontinue Amevive was driven by business needs.

Amevive's current supply disruption was not a factor in discontinuing the product. Additionally, the decision to discontinue the drug was not based on any specific safety concern nor was it the result of an FDA-mandated or voluntary product recall.

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that patients currently taking Amevive consult their doctor about a transition plan to an alternative therapy as soon as possible.

"It's very important for patients to first speak with their physician before they stop taking their Amevive treatment," said Dr. Jerry Bagel of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board.

Patients on Amevive can access its support programs, such as the Astellas Reimbursement Services and Patient Assistance Program, through March 16, 2012.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation

National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the world's largest nonprofit serving those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our priority is to provide the information and services people need to take control of their condition, while increasing research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 2.1 million people annually through our health education and advocacy initiatives, NPF has funded more than $13 million in psoriatic disease research grants and fellowships. Learn more about the Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org or call 800-723-9166. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.